In WALL-E , a science fiction movie, a little robot is responsible for cleaning a world covered in garbage; a world where there is no longer room for anything else, not even humans! The film encourages common people, worldwide leaders and businessmen to ask the obvious question: What can be done to prevent something like this happening? For some, microfactories could become the most promising answer.
Veena Sahajwalla, a materials scientist and engineer in Sydney, Australia, has discovered a solution to the challenging waste problem. Her one-stop approach could go beyond the existing recycling processes. Her invention, waste microfactories, mainly targets electronic waste and plastic. It can transform waste into new materials with the help of thermal ( 热工 ) technology.
“Using our green manufacturing ( 制造 ) technologies, these microfactories can transform waste where it is largely reserved and created, enabling local businesses and communities to not only deal with local waste problems, but to develop a commercial opportunity from the valuable materials that are created, she explains.
And the way these modular ( 模块化 ) microfactories work is fascinating too. Firstly, no more than 50 square meters are needed to operate them, so they can be located anywhere, reducing journeys between manufacturing plants and recycling processors.
In the first module, the thrown-away computers, mobile phones and printers are broken down. Next, in another module, a special robot is responsible for identifying useful parts. Once this process is completed, a third stage involves transforming those pieces into valuable materials using controlled heat.
Although the most effective solution to address the waste challenges would be not to create as much trash, Sahajwalla microfactories provide hope for all the waste that already exists. Her solution not only decreases the amount of waste, but it also improves its management and enables new manufacturing opportunities around the new materials created.
1 . Why is WALL-E mentioned?
A . To introduce the main topic.
B . To advertise the science fiction movie.
C . To show the strength of technology.
D . To promote the convenience of robots.
2 . What do Veena Sahajwalla's words suggest?
A . The technology is an inspiration from a movie.
B . The technology deals with waste in small quantities.
C . The technology benefits both the environment and investors.
D . The technology is mainly of commercial value.
3 . Why is controlled heat used in the process?
A . To break down thrown-away electronics.
B . To transform electronic waste into valuable materials.
C . To identify useful parts in the thrown-away electronics.
D . To reduce journeys between manufacturing plants and recycling processors.
4 . What's the author's attitude to Sahajwalla's microfactories?
A . Disapproving. B . Skeptical.
C . Supportive. D . Objective.
1 . A
2 . C
3 . B
4 . C
【分析】
本文是一篇说明文。澳大利亚的科学家发现通过微型工厂可以把垃圾变废为宝。
1 .
推理判断题。第一段开始提到 “ WALL-E , a science fiction movie” ,之后提到 “For some, microfactories could become the most promising answer.” (对一些人来说,微型工厂可能成为最有希望的解决方案)判断可知,提到它的目的是为导入主题作铺垫。故选 A 。
2 .
推理判断题。根据第三段的 “Using our green manufacturing ( 制造 ) technologies, these microfactories can transform waste where it is largely reserved and created, enabling local businesses and communities to not only deal with local waste problems, but to develop a commercial opportunity from the valuable materials that are created” (利用我们的绿色制造技术,这些微型工厂可以转化大量储存和产生的废物,使当地企业和社区不仅可以处理当地的废物问题,而且可以从产生的宝贵材料中开发商机)可知,这项技术有利于环境和投资者。故选 C 。
3 .
细节理解题。根据第五段中的 “Once this process is completed, a third stage involves transforming those pieces into valuable materials using controlled heat.” ( 一旦这一过程完成,第三个阶段是利用可控的热量将这些材料转化为有价值的材料)可知,贵重材料通过控制热获得。故选 B 。
4 .
推理判断题。根据最后一段的 “Her solution not only decreases the amount of waste, but it also improves its management and enables new manufacturing opportunities around the new materials created” (她的解决方案不仅减少了浪费,还改善了管理,并围绕新材料创造了新的制造机会)可知,作者对萨哈瓦拉微型工厂持赞成的态度。故选 C 。